Blackphone launches second phone and new tablet

Blackphone-owner Silent Circle also announces new privacy platform aimed at enterprise at launch event at MWC

Secure-handset maker Silent Circle has unveiled the follow-up to the security focused Blackphone and demonstrated its first tablet at MWC today.

The Blackphone 2 is set to arrive in the second half of 2015 and will come with a faster processor, more RAM, a longer-lasting battery and a larger display, according to Silent Circle.

It also launched its first tablet today, called the Blackphone+, which will also be released later in 2015 (no date disclosed.)

“Enterprise privacy is similar to individual privacy. The same technologies can protect both,” said Silent Circle co-founder Phil Zimmermann. “My own work in developing privacy technology has always been motivated by my interest in individual privacy as a human right. The recent Sony experience shows that enterprises too have a responsibility to up their game to protect the privacy of their own people and their partners.”

It also revealed the first major update to its Android-based operating system PrivatOS, which introduces Spaces, an OS-level virtualisation and management solution.

Last week, Silent Circle last announced its buy out of its SGP Technologies joint venture between Silent Circle and Geeksphone. The acquisition means Silent Circle now holds a 100 per cent stake in SGP Technologies and the Blackphone product set.

The company also announced it had raised approximately $50m in a private, common equity round to support accelerated growth.